Calls For Harmony And Unity, Acting President Choi: The Republic Of Korea Is In A Serious Situation

JAKARTA - South Korean President Choi Sang-mok said his country was in a serious situation when calling for national harmony and unity in Tuesday's New Year's speech.

The speech was delivered when the Ginseng Country was rocked by an unprecedented political crisis, due to the announcement of a military emergency by President Yoon Suk-yeol earlier this month which was later impeached.

"The Korean Republic is in a very serious situation," Choi said in a written statement, citing changes around global trade, diplomacy and security, as well as domestic political uncertainty.

"The government will do its best to carry out state affairs stably in all fields of defense, diplomacy, economy and society so that people feel relieved," continued Choi.

Choi, who is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, was appointed president on Friday evening, after the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the president's acting president since Yoon was impeached and suspended on December 14, following the announcement of a military emergency last December 3.

Choi said the government would seek to achieve harmony and national unity, pledging to communicate closely with ruling party politicians and the opposition as well as social leaders, hoping for trust from the people and businesses.

Choi said the alliance with the United States would remain strong and the government would be ready to respond quickly to any foreign, security, or trade issues after President-elect Donald Trump took office in January.

Regarding the economy, Choi said the government would provide support measures for small businesses and entrepreneurs on time to refresh domestic demand, while working closely with relevant institutions to maintain financial market stability and foreign exchange.